MARSEILLE — PONANT has announced plans to acquire French Polynesia and South Pacific specialist Paul Gauguin Cruises.
Following the acquisition, announced today, the two cruise lines will keep their management, with Diane Moore acting as CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises with a team based in Bellevue, WA, and Navin Sawhney acting as CEO Americas of PONANT, based in New York.
PONANT, launched in 1988, now has nine ships. The cruise line has been more active in the Canadian market in the past couple of years, promoting its luxury explorer vessels with a number of new ships in the works. Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the 332-passenger m/s Paul Gauguin.
“We are pleased to welcome Paul Gauguin Cruises to our PONANT family,” says PONANT Founder and President, Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée. “Our guests can now select from a wider range of iconic destinations and become enriched by cultural and expedition cruises of their choice, that literally travel to the ends of the earth from the most remote ports to more perennial favorites, on our combined fleet of small ships.”
He adds: “We share the same core values. The synergy between our operations makes this the perfect collaboration while preserving the unique DNA of both brand experiences.”
Richard Bailey, Chairman, Paul Gauguin Cruises said that with this new strategic alliance, the cruise lines looks forward to delivering more unique, luxury, small-ship experiences to our guests.”
Navin Sawhney, CEO Americas for PONANT, added: “PONANT is proud to be at the forefront of small ship exploration. We are expanding our PONANT fleet to 14 ships by 2021. Now, through Paul Gauguin and its expertise, we will be able to offer our clients and partners yet another bucket list destination visiting the exotic islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific.”
“As we join the PONANT family, we remain dedicated to our shared passion for authentic experiences, high quality service and sustainable practices. We are excited about introducing our guests to the wider world of PONANT and to welcoming PONANT guests on board Paul Gauguin,” said Paul Gauguin Cruises CEO Diane Moore.
